Umbria is a treasure trove full of glorious things to see and do. Art lovers will marvel at the architecture of the medieval hill towns of Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, Cortona and Arezzo, all comparatively easy to drive to. You can view paintings by Giotto, Piero della Francesca and Cimabue; see old and modern ceramics; antiques collectors can visit the antiques markets of Perugia, Citta di Castello and Arezzo which open all year round. Wine connoisseurs will enjoy the world renowned wine trails of Montepulciano and Montefalco.

Umbria is truly a region of festivals and events throughout the year. Music buffs have a host of events to choose from. You can visit the Spoleto Classical Music Festival of the Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds); this was established in 1958 with the objective of bringing Italian, American and European cultures together. The festival is now one of the most prestigious international events on the calendar. This is due to the fact that it offers a wide variety of public performances including theatre, dance, opera, concerts, art and also incorporates the Spoleto Cinema film festival. There is also an opportunity to join in a public debate with representatives from the science world, including Nobel Prize winners. The festival runs from 30 June to 16 July 2006.

One of Europe’s most popular jazz events of the year is hosted in Perugia (7th – 16th July 2006). Umbria Jazz has hosted some of the greatest modern jazz musicians since its launch in 1973. The concerts are situated amongst the ancient buildings in the historic town centre. The event attracts some of the most talented faces of modern jazz and blues from Europe and America.

Since its launch in 1937, the Umbrian Festival of Sacred Music has been considered one of the most important cultural events in Italy. The event is renowned for highlighting old Italian music at the same time as incorporating twentieth century music. The festival attracts many famous names, such as orchestra conductors like Karajan, Mitropoulos, Muti, and contemporary composers such as Britten, Hindemith, Penderecki, Stockhausen, Brouwer, Morricone, and Glass. The festival runs throughout from mid-August to mid-September in Perugia (at time of writing no precise dates/performances are available).

The International Ceramics Exhibition in Gualdo Tadino (August and September) is an opportunity for interested parties to view the differing artistic trends in the field. It is well attended by ceramicists and artists who meet and compare their work.

Throughout July and August, Gubbio is host to a summer season of classical plays. The plays, which consist of 30 different productions, are held in the monumental Roman theatre. In October Gubbio plays host to a trade fair specialising in the local white truffle, but with other exquisite cheeses, hams, salamis and olive oils on display.

For nine days, Perugia is host to a Festival of Chocolate, Eurochocolate! The event sees the town transformed into a vibrant outdoor chocolate shop. The festival attracts the biggest names in Italian and International confectionery-making demonstrating their creations. A very popular choice for children and chocoholics alike! The 2006 festival takes place between the 14th and 22nd of October. At some time of year almost everything has its Festival including the chestnut during the Chestnut Festival in Preggio during October!

For sportsmen and women there is fly fishing on the River Tiber (14km), tennis, trekking, horseback riding (2km), golf (6km) and water recreation at Lago Trasimeno, Italy’s fourth largest lake, 25km away.

Nearby Umbertide, founded between the 8th and 10th century and named in 1863 in honour of then Crown Prince Umberto, later King Umberto I of Italy, is located at the confluence of the rivers Reggia and the Tiber, 30 km North of Perugia and 20 km (12 miles) South of Città di Castello. Umbertide is one of the larger towns of Umbria, an important centre producing amongst other things farm machinery, textiles and ceramics. The town has a thriving market and offers a great selection of shops and restaurants.

Shopping in Umbria is wondrously varied; most towns have weekly open markets, larger towns have excellent shops and villages can usually offer local produce and wines. Shop times vary, but they are usually open Monday to Saturday (some food shops open on Sunday mornings at the height of the summer season). Opening times fit around Italian ‘siesta’, with most closing between lunchtime and late afternoon, but remain open into the evening.